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Casey flirts with PGA Tour record for nine holes

May 8, 2014; Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA; Marc Leishman tees off on the 10th hole during the first round …

(Reuters) - Paul Casey came within one stroke of the PGA Tour scoring record for nine holes when he stormed home in 27 shots in the second round at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas on Friday.

Casey was in danger of missing the cut after a mediocre start but turned on the afterburners to end the day only two strokes behind American leader Brendon Todd at the TPC Four Seasons Resort.

"I found it difficult (early but) I broke the seal, made an eagle on (hole) number seven and then the hole started to get bigger and bigger," the Englishman told reporters after picking up an eagle and six birdies on the inward nine for a seven-under-par 63 in ideal morning conditions.

"I hit some wonderful shots on the back nine (although) I got some lucky breaks here and there."

Only American Corey Pavin, who shot an eight-under 26 on the front nine at Brown Deer Park during the 2006 U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, has posted a lower nine-hole score on the PGA Tour.